Imaging apparatus that outputs raw image data and associated metadata and image processing apparatus that uses same for further processing

ABSTRACT

[Object] To quickly and correctly reproduce an image intended by a photographer, a cinematographer, and the like on the occasion of post-production. 
     [Solving Means] The development apparatus includes: an imaging unit that performs shooting and generates RAW data; a first conversion unit that converts the generated RAW data into image data by interpolation; an acquisition unit that acquires an exposure index value corresponding to an illuminance of a shooting environment; a first correction unit that corrects a value of the image data based on the exposure index value; and an output unit that associates the RAW data and the acquired exposure index value with each other and outputs the associated RAW data and exposure index value.

This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/616,986, filed Jun. 8, 2017, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/367,764, filed Jun. 20, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,712,715, issued Jul. 18, 2017, which is a U.S. national phase application of PCT/JP2012/007848, filed Dec. 7, 2012, which is entitled to the priority filing date of Japanese application(s) 2011-288583, filed on Dec. 28, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to an imaging apparatus that performs RAW shooting and to a post-production apparatus that performs post-production for RAW data captured by the imaging apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In the creation process of video content that is constituted by connecting various video scenes containing captured video materials, an operation of imaging a scene by using a camera and an operation of performing post-production processing on the captured image source are sequentially performed. A content creation system for efficiently performing those operations is proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the content creation system described in Patent Document 1, two types of correction parameters including a camera set value, which is set at the time of shooting, and an effect correction value, which adjusts a video, are used in the post-production processing. The camera set value is a set value at the time of shooting and includes, for example, values for setting the functions of the camera, such as exposure, white balance, gamma correction, and color adjustment. On the other hand, the effect correction value is a set value that is used to correct a video after shooting in order to obtain a predetermined image quality. For example, the effect correction value includes values for adjusting attributes on the effect of a video, such as exposure, white balance, gamma correction, 3D effect, trimming, and zooming. At the time of the post-production processing, a correction parameter value that is set by a user via an operation input unit, a correction parameter value that is set in the past edit information stored in a database, and the like are used.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2007-43373 (paragraph Nos. [0076] to [0113] and FIG. 14 to FIG. 16)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

In recent years, in a shooting location, various parameters have been given to the imaging apparatus and thus it has been possible to check an image obtained after development. Further, a system in which the parameters used in the imaging apparatus are transmitted as metadata together with RAW data to the post-production apparatus side and reflected on the development in post-production has been studied.

The present technology provides an imaging apparatus and an image processing apparatus that are capable of achieving a more highly functional system in which parameters used in the imaging apparatus are transmitted as metadata together with RAW data to the post-production apparatus side and reflected on development in post-production, reproducing an image intended by a photographer, a cinematographer, and the like more quickly and correctly on the occasion of post-production, and improving the operation efficiency of post-production.

Means for Solving the Problem

To solve the problems described above, according to the present technology, there is provided an imaging apparatus including: an imaging unit that performs shooting and generates RAW data; a first conversion unit that converts the generated RAW data into image data by interpolation; an acquisition unit that acquires an exposure index value corresponding to an illuminance of a shooting environment; a first correction unit that corrects a value of the image data based on the exposure index value; and an output unit that associates the RAW data and the acquired exposure index value with each other and outputs the associated RAW data and exposure index value.

The acquisition unit may include an illuminance acquisition unit that acquires a measured value from an illuminometer and converts the measured value into the exposure index value.

The acquisition unit may further acquire information on an effective area for post-production of the image data. The output unit may associate the RAW data and the acquired information on an effective area with each other and output the associated RAW data and information on an effective area.

The acquisition unit may further acquire information for a color correction of the image data. The output unit may associate the RAW data and the acquired information for a color correction with each other and output the associated RAW data and information for a color correction.

The information for a color correction can be the American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC-CDL).

To solve the problems described above, according to the present technology, there is provided an image processing apparatus including: an input unit that inputs RAW data output from an imaging apparatus and an exposure index value associated with the RAW data; a second conversion unit that converts the RAW data into image data by interpolation; and a second correction unit that corrects a value of the image data based on the exposure index value.

The input unit may further input information on an effective area for post-production of the image data. The image processing apparatus may further include a clipping unit that clips a part corresponding to the effective area from the image data based on the information on an effective area.

The input unit may further input information for a color correction of the image data. The image processing apparatus may further include a color correction unit that performs a color correction of the image data based on the information for a color correction.

The information for a color correction can be the American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC-CDL).

Effect of the Invention

As described above, according to the present technology, it is possible to reproduce an image intended by a photographer, a cinematographer, and the like more quickly and correctly on the occasion of post-production, and improve the operation efficiency of post-production.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a post-production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a correspondence table of an illuminance measurement value (dB) and an EI.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a gain adjustment using the EI.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a metadata structure of an effective marker.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing processing using the effective marker.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface for setting an ASC-CDL.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present technology will be described.

This embodiment relates to an imaging apparatus that performs RAW imaging and recording and to a post-production apparatus that acquires RAW data captured by the imaging apparatus and development metadata for the RAW data and performs post-production.

In the imaging apparatus, image data, which is obtained by performing color interpolation processing, intensifying and weakening processing, gain adjustment, color adjustment, and the like on the RAW data captured by the camera imager, can be displayed on a monitor connected to the imaging apparatus or in a viewfinder provided to the imaging apparatus such that the image data can be checked in real time by a photographer, a cinematographer, and the like in a shooting location. While checking the image data displayed on the monitor or in the viewfinder, the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like can set various development parameters for the image data as part of metadata.

Here, the metadata includes:

-   -   1. Metadata automatically reflected on image data in the         post-production apparatus; and     -   2. Metadata arbitrarily reflected on image data in the         post-production apparatus, that is, recommended metadata, such         as “the development is required to be performed in such a way”,         to an operator who performs the post-production by the         photographer, the cinematographer, and the like in the shooting         location.

It is assumed that the former is referred to as “first metadata” and the latter is referred to as “second metadata”.

Further, the first metadata includes a parameter that is uniquely determined to correspond to the type of a camera imager to be used, and a parameter that is set artificially at the time of shooting.

The imaging apparatus associates the RAW data and the metadata described above with each other to be transmitted to the post-production apparatus.

In the post-production apparatus, the RAW data and the metadata transmitted from the imaging apparatus are acquired, the first metadata is automatically reflected on the development of the RAW data, and its result is displayed on a monitor connected to the post-production apparatus. Further, the second metadata is appropriately reflected on the development of the RAW data according to an instruction of the operator of the post-production. With this, the image data and the recommended image data that are intended by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like can be reproduced on the occasion of post-production.

The first metadata described above includes the following data, for example.

1. Shooting gamma (Capture Gamma Equation)

The shooting gamma includes, for example, Scene Linear, Cine-Log, and S-Log developed by Sony Corporation.

2. White balance

3. Imager sensitivity (ISO Sensitivity)

4. Values of black/gray/white of RAW data (RAW Code Value)

5. Gamma conforming to CDL (Gamma For CDL)

Here, the shooting gamma, the values of black/gray/white of RAW data, and the gamma conforming to CDL are parameters that are uniquely determined depending on the type of the camera imager used in the imaging apparatus. The white balance and the imager sensitivity are data selected by a photographer and the like at the time of shooting.

The second metadata described above includes the following data, for example.

1. EI (Exposure Index of Photo Meter)

The EI is an exposure index value corresponding to an illuminance obtained from the illuminometer. Based on the EI and the value of the imager sensitivity, the processing of gain adjustment for the image data, and the like are performed.

2. Effective Marker

The effective marker is information for identifying an effective area in the captured image data, the effective area being intended by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like in the shooting location. In the post-production apparatus, the clipping of an effective area from the image data, and the like are performed based on the information of the effective marker.

3. ASC-CDL (The American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List)

The ASC-CDL is information for color correction that is defined by The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). In the ASC-CDL, color is defined by three parameters of an offset (output value when input is zero), a slope (gain of input and output), and power (gamma curve characteristics of input and output) for each of R, G, and B.

Those items of the second metadata are each appropriately selected by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like in the shooting location. In the imaging apparatus, an image on which those items of the second metadata have been reflected can be seen through the monitor.

The first metadata and the second metadata that are set in the imaging apparatus are, for example, gathered as a file in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format or the like and associated with the file of the RAW data, to be stored in the storage or transmitted to the post-production apparatus or the like via a communication medium.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Imaging Apparatus]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a camera imager 101, a RAW file write unit 102, a first Debayer processing unit 103, a first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104, a first IDT (Input Device Transform) processing unit 105, a first color correction unit 106, a first ODT (Onput Device Transform) processing unit 107, an effective marker combination unit 108, a first metadata acquisition unit 109, a second metadata acquisition unit 110, and a transmission unit 111.

The imaging apparatus 100 includes, as another hardware configuration, a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a main memory, storage, a network I/F, and the like. The main memory and the storage store programs executed by the CPU. The CPU executes the programs and thus causes the computer system to operate as the RAW file write unit 102, the first Debayer processing unit 103, the first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104, the first IDT processing unit 105, the first color correction unit 106, the first ODT processing unit 107, the effective marker combination unit 108, the first metadata acquisition unit 109, the second metadata acquisition unit 110, and the transmission unit 111.

The camera imager 101 (imaging unit) is an imager for RAW shooting and is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

The RAW file write unit 102 writes the RAW data obtained by the camera imager 101 in the file 120 without change.

The first Debayer processing unit 103 (first conversion unit) performs color interpolation and the like on the RAW data and thus generates RGB images (image data).

The first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104 (first correction unit) performs intensifying processing, weakening processing, and the like on the image data converted by the first Debayer processing unit 103. The first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104 performs gain adjustment on the image data that has been subjected to the intensifying processing and weakening processing, based on the white balance and the imager sensitivity (ISO Sensitivity) that belong to the first metadata acquired by the first metadata acquisition unit 109 and on the EI (Exposure Index Of Photo Meter) that belongs to the second metadata acquired by the second metadata acquisition unit 110, and converts the color space of the image data into a standard color space from the color space of the camera imager 101.

The first IDT processing unit 105 converts the image data output from the first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104 into a value for color adjustment using the ASC-CDL, based on the shooting gamma (Capture Gamma Equation) and the gamma conforming to CDL (Gamma For CDL) that belong to the first metadata acquired by the first metadata acquisition unit 109.

The first color correction unit 106 applies the ASC-CDL acquired by the second metadata acquisition unit 110 to the image data converted by the first IDT processing unit 105 and performs color correction.

The first ODT processing unit 107 converts the color space of the image data whose color is corrected by the first color correction unit 106 into a color space of a monitor connected to the imaging apparatus 100, to be output to the monitor.

The effective marker combination unit 108 combines graphics of the effective marker acquired by the second metadata acquisition unit 110 with the image data output from the first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104 to be output to the viewfinder.

The first metadata acquisition unit 109 acquires the shooting gamma, the white balance, the values of black/gray/white of the RAW data, and the gamma conforming to CDL, which are the first metadata, and supplies the shooting gamma, the white balance, the values of black/gray/white of the RAW data, and the gamma conforming to CDL to the camera imager 101, the first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104, the first IDT processing unit 105, and the first color correction unit 106.

The second metadata acquisition unit 110 acquires the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL, which are second metadata, and supplies the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL to the first intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 104, the effective marker combination unit 108, and the first color correction unit 106.

The second metadata acquisition unit 110 includes an EI acquisition unit 112 (illuminance acquisition unit) that acquires the EI. The EI acquisition unit 112 acquires in real time a measured value transmitted from the illuminometer 113 in a wired or wireless manner and converts the measured value into a value of the EI (Exposure Index of Photo Meter) that is the exposure index value. Further, the second metadata acquisition unit 110 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 114. Through the graphical user interface (GUI) 114, the effective marker and the ASC-CDL that are input by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like are received and thus acquired.

The transmission unit 111 (output unit) associates the RAW data and the metadata acquired in the imaging apparatus 100 with each other to be transmitted to a subsequent processing environment (post-production apparatus 200 and the like).

[Post-Production Apparatus]

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the post-production apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

As shown in FIG. 2, the post-production apparatus 200 (image processing apparatus) of this embodiment includes a RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201, a second Debayer processing unit 202, a second intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 203, a second IDT processing unit 204, a second color correction unit 205, an effective marker processing unit 206, and a second ODT processing unit 207.

The post-production apparatus 200 includes, as another hardware configuration, a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a main memory, storage, a network I/F, a monitor, an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and the like. The main memory and the storage store programs executed by the CPU. The CPU executes the programs and thus causes the computer system to operate as the RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201, the second Debayer processing unit 202, the second intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 203, the second IDT processing unit 204, the second color correction unit 205, the effective marker processing unit 206, and the second ODT processing unit 207.

The RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201 (input unit) acquires the RAW file and the metadata that are transmitted from the imaging apparatus 100.

The second Debayer processing unit 202 (second conversion unit) performs color interpolation and the like on the RAW data and thus generates RGB images (image data), as in the imaging apparatus 100.

The second intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 203 (second correction unit) performs intensifying processing, weakening processing, and the like on the RGB images (image data) converted by the second Debayer processing unit 202. The second intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 203 performs gain adjustment on the image data that has been subjected to the intensifying processing and weakening processing, based on the white balance and the imager sensitivity (ISO Sensitivity) that belong to the first metadata acquired by the RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201 and on the EI (Exposure Index Of Photo Meter) that belongs to the second metadata, and converts the color space of the image data into a standard color space from the color space of the camera imager 101 of the imaging apparatus 100.

The second IDT processing unit 204 converts the image data output from the second intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion unit 203 into a value for color correction using the ASC-CDL, based on the shooting gamma (Capture Gamma Equation) and the gamma conforming to CDL (Gamma For CDL) that belong to the first metadata acquired by the RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201.

The second color correction unit 205 (color correction unit) applies the ASC-CDL acquired by the RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201 to the image data converted by the second IDT processing unit 204 and performs color correction.

The effective marker processing unit 206 (clipping unit) performs processing of clipping the effective area from the image data that has been subjected to the color correction by the second color correction unit 205, resizing, and the like, based on the effective marker that belongs to the second metadata acquired by the RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201.

The second ODT processing unit 207 converts the color space of the image data, which has been subjected to the clipping, resizing, and the like by the effective marker processing unit 206, into a color space of a monitor connected to the post-production apparatus 200, to be output to the monitor.

[Regarding Processing Based on Second Metadata]

In this embodiment, in the imaging apparatus 100, the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL are set as the second metadata aimed at recommending the reflection of the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL on the development processing of the RAW data, and are transmitted to the post-production apparatus 200 together with the RAW data and the first metadata. So, in each of the imaging apparatus 100 and the post-production apparatus 200, the same second metadata can be shared and the image data recommended by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like can be reproduced on the occasion of post-production.

Next, description will be given on the processing based on the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL. It should be noted that the present technology does not have features in the following processing itself.

(Gain Adjustment Using EI)

Next, description will be given on an example of the processing based on the EI in the imaging apparatus 100 and the post-production apparatus 200.

In the imaging apparatus 100, the EI acquisition unit 112 of the second metadata acquisition unit 110 receives in real time a measured value (dB) transmitted from the illuminometer 113 in a wired or wireless manner and converts the measured value into a value of the EI (Exposure Index of Photo Meter) by using a table shown in FIG. 3. As shown in the table, the EI covers at least a plurality of integer values determined in the range of “200” to “3200” and sets “800” as a reference value.

In the imaging apparatus 100 and the post-production apparatus 200, the intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion units (103, 203) each calculates a gain that is applied to the value of white of the RAW data by the following expression. EI/Imager sensitivity   (1)

So, when the value of the imager sensitivity (ISO Sensitivity) given as the first metadata is set to “800” and the EI is set to “1600”, “2” is calculated as a value of a gain applied to the value of white of the RAW data.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a gain that is allocated to the image data by the intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space conversion units (103, 203). Assuming that the dependence of the illuminance can be ignored because the value of black of the RAW data is a value when the shutter of the camera imager 101 is turned off, the gain is fixed to “1”. In the case where “2” is calculated as the value of the gain applied to the value of white of the RAW data by the calculation method described above, the gain in the range from “1” to “2” is proportionally allocated to the value of the RAW data in the range from black to white.

More specifically, the value of black of the RAW Code Value (fixed value) is set to “512” and the value of white of the RAW Code Value (measured value) is set to “2992”, (2992−512)×2=5472 is the value of white, which has been subjected to the gain adjustment.

As described above, in this embodiment, the EI is transmitted as the second metadata to the post-production apparatus 200, and thus an image with brightness that is seen by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like on the monitor connected to the imaging apparatus 100 can be reproduced in the post-production apparatus 200. With this, the operation efficiency of the post-production can be improved.

[Processing Using Effective Marker]

Next, description will be given on the processing based on the effective marker in the imaging apparatus 100 and the post-production apparatus 200.

The effective marker is metadata that is aimed at expressing a framing intended by the photographer. As shown in FIG. 5, the effective marker is constituted of an Effective Marker Coverage that indicates a reduction ratio (ratio of long strip) of an effective area marker to the image frame of a payload and an Effective Marker Aspect Ratio that indicates an aspect ratio of the effective area marker. The first metadata acquisition unit 109 acquires the value of the reduction ratio of the marker from the user via the graphical user interface (GUI) 114 and determines the Effective Marker Coverage and the Effective Marker Aspect Ratio by a correlation with the aspect ratio of the screen of the monitor. The effective marker is transmitted as the second metadata by the transmission unit 111 to the post-production apparatus 200, together with the RAW data and the first metadata.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the imaging apparatus 100, the effective marker combination unit 108 combines graphics 130 of the effective marker with an image 125 displayed in the viewfinder, based on the metadata of the effective marker acquired by the first metadata acquisition unit 109, to be displayed.

On the other hand, in the post-production apparatus 200, the effective marker processing unit 206 clips the effective area from the image data based on the metadata of the effective marker acquired by the RAW data/metadata acquisition unit 201, and enlarges the clipped image data to have the original resolution.

In such a manner, the effective marker is transmitted as the second metadata to the post-production apparatus 200, and thus the clipping processing and the like of the effective area intended by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like can be performed quickly in the post-production apparatus 200. With this, the operation efficiency of the post-production can be improved.

[Color Correction Based on ASC-CDL]

Next, description will be given on the color correction based on the ASC-CDL in the imaging apparatus 100 and the post-production apparatus 200.

The ASC-CDL is information for color adjustment that is defined by The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). In the ASC-CDL, color is defined by three parameters of an offset (output value when input is zero), a slope (gain of input and output), and power (gamma curve characteristics of input and output) for each of R, G, and B. It should be noted that the details of the color correction based on the ASC-CDL are disclosed in “ASC Color Decision List (ASC CDL) Transfer Functions and Interchange Syntax, ASC-CDL_Release1.2, Joshua Pines and David Reisner, 2009 May 4” and the like.

In the imaging apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 7 for example, the first metadata acquisition unit 109 acquires the values of the offset, the slope, and the power for each of R, G, and B, which are given by the user using the graphical user interface (GUI) 114, and gathers those values into one to create the ASC-CDL. In the graphical user interface (GUI) 114 shown in FIG. 7, the values of the offset, the slope, and the power for each of R, G, and B can be individually selected by the user operating a slide gauge or an up/down button. The set ASC-CDL is reflected in real time on an image displayed on an image display area 131, and thus the user can make settings of the ASC-CDL while checking the change in color of the image.

The ASC-CDL is transmitted as the second metadata by the transmission unit 111 to the post-production apparatus 200, together with the RAW data and the first metadata. With this, the color correction intended by the photographer, the cinematographer, and the like can be executed in the second color correction unit 205 of the post-production apparatus 200, with the result that the operation efficiency of the post-production can be improved.

Hereinabove, one embodiment of the present technology has been described, but the present technology can be modified as follows.

For the communication between the illuminometer 113 and the imaging apparatus 100, adopting wireless communication is useful. Further, the illuminometer 113 may be formed integrally with the imaging apparatus 100.

In the embodiment described above, the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL are transmitted as the second metadata from the imaging apparatus 100 to the post-production apparatus 200. However, at least any one of the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL may be transmitted as the second metadata. Additionally, in the embodiment described above, the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL are handled as metadata that is not automatically reflected on the development in the post-production apparatus 200. However, at least any one of the EI, the effective marker, and the ASC-CDL may be modified so as to be handled as metadata that is automatically reflected on the development in the post-production apparatus 200.

It should be noted that the present technology is not limited to the embodiment described above and may be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention as a matter of course.

The present technology can have the following configurations.

(1) An imaging apparatus, including:

-   -   an imaging unit that performs shooting and generates RAW data;     -   a first conversion unit that converts the generated RAW data         into image data by interpolation;     -   an acquisition unit that acquires an exposure index value         corresponding to an illuminance of a shooting environment;     -   a first correction unit that corrects a value of the image data         based on the exposure index value; and     -   an output unit that associates the RAW data and the acquired         exposure index value with each other and outputs the associated         RAW data and exposure index value.

(2) The imaging apparatus according to (1), the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, in which

-   -   the acquisition unit includes an illuminance acquisition unit         that acquires a measured value from an illuminometer and         converts the measured value into the exposure index value.

(3) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) and (2), in which

-   -   the acquisition unit further acquires information on an         effective area for post-production of the image data, and     -   the output unit associates the RAW data and the acquired         information on an effective area with each other and outputs the         associated RAW data and information on an effective area.

(4) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), in which

-   -   the acquisition unit further acquires information for a color         correction of the image data, and     -   the output unit associates the RAW data and the acquired         information for a color correction with each other and outputs         the associated RAW data and information for a color correction.

(5) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), in which

-   -   the information for a color correction is the American Society         of Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC-CDL).

(6) An image processing apparatus, including:

-   -   an input unit that inputs RAW data output from an imaging         apparatus and an exposure index value associated with the RAW         data;     -   a second conversion unit that converts the RAW data into image         data by interpolation; and     -   a second correction unit that corrects a value of the image data         based on the exposure index value.

(7) The image processing apparatus according to (6), in which

-   -   the input unit further inputs information on an effective area         for post-production of the image data, and     -   the image processing apparatus further includes a clipping unit         that clips a part corresponding to the effective area from the         image data based on the information on an effective area.

(8) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (6) and (7), in which

-   -   the input unit further inputs information for a color correction         of the image data, and     -   the image processing apparatus further includes a color         correction unit that performs a color correction of the image         data based on the information for a color correction.

(9) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (6) to (8), in which

-   -   the information for a color correction is the American Society         of Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC-CDL).

DESCRIPTION OF RERERENCE NUMERALS

-   100 imaging apparatus -   101 camera imager -   102 RAW file write unit -   103 first Debayer processing unit -   104 intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space     conversion unit -   105 first IDT processing unit -   106 first color correction unit -   107 first ODT processing unit -   108 effective marker combination unit -   109 first metadata acquisition unit -   110 second metadata acquisition unit -   111 transmission unit -   112 EI acquisition unit -   113 illuminometer -   114 graphical user interface -   200 post-production apparatus -   201 RAW data/metadata acquisition unit -   202 second Debayer processing unit -   203 intensifying and weakening/gain adjustment/color space     conversion unit -   204 second IDT processing unit -   205 second color correction unit -   206 effective marker processing unit -   207 second ODT processing unit 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an imager configured to generate RAW data by imaging of a subject; and circuitry configured to: produce first metadata associated with the RAW data, process the RAW data to generate a first image signal for displaying a first image on a display, present selectable information on the display to enable the user to select a setting of the imaging apparatus as setting information, produce second metadata including the setting information selected by the user, generate a second image signal for displaying a second image corresponding to the RAW data and based on the second metadata, cause a display to display the second image with the setting selected by the user, the second image being displayed with characteristics determined by the setting information included in the second metadata, and store the RAW data, the first metadata and the second metadata.
 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to cause the display to display the second image in response to manual input of selectable information, the second image being displayed with characteristics determined in real time by the manual input of the selectable information.
 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second metadata is generated based on an input button operated by a user.
 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second metadata is generated based on an up/down button operated by the user.
 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to record the RAW data, the first metadata and the second metadata on a recording medium.
 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information represents at least a color setting related to color of the RAW data.
 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the color setting represents the American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC-CDL).
 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information represents at least an effective marker determined by a user input to identify an area in the image of the subject intended by the user for framing.
 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to convert an illuminance value from an illuminometer into an exposure index value in the second metadata.
 10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first metadata represents at least an ISO sensitivity.
 11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second metadata is automatically used on an external image processing apparatus to determine characteristics of a displayed image.
 12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform an interpolation process based on the RAW data.
 13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform a color correction process based on the RAW image.
 14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform the color correction process based on the RAW image and color setting included in the setting information.
 15. An image processing method, comprising: acquiring, from an imager, RAW data by imaging of a subject, producing first metadata associated with the RAW data, processing the RAW data to generate a first image signal for displaying a first image on a display, presenting selectable information on the display to enable the user to select a setting of the imaging apparatus as setting information; producing second metadata including setting information set by a user, generating a second image signal for displaying a second image corresponding to the RAW data and based on the second metadata, displaying the second image with the setting selected by the user, the second image being displayed with characteristics determined by the setting information included in the second metadata, and storing the RAW data, the first metadata and the second metadata.
 16. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an imager configured to generate RAW data by imaging of a subject; and circuitry configured to: produce first metadata associated with the RAW data, process the RAW data to generate an image signal for displaying an image, produce second metadata including setting information set by a user, the setting information representing at least a color setting related to color of the RAW data, and associate the RAW data with the first metadata and the second metadata to provide for external image processing of the RAW data associated with the first metadata and processed in accordance with the setting information included in the second metadata.
 17. The imaging apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the color setting represents the American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List (ASC-CDL).
 18. An image processing method for an imaging system that includes an imaging apparatus and an image processing apparatus, comprising: acquiring, from an imager of the imaging apparatus, RAW data by imaging of a subject, producing, by first circuitry of the imaging apparatus, first metadata associated with the RAW data, processing the RAW data to generate an image signal for displaying an image on a display, producing, by the first circuitry of the imaging apparatus, second metadata including setting information set by a user, the setting information representing at least a color setting related to color of the RAW data, associating, by the first circuitry of the imaging apparatus, the RAW data with the first metadata and the second metadata to provide the image processing apparatus with the RAW data associated with the first metadata, receiving, by a second circuitry of the image processing apparatus, the RAW data associated with the first metadata and receiving the second metadata, converting, by the second circuitry of the image processing apparatus, the received RAW data into image data by interpolation, and performing, by the second circuitry of the image processing apparatus, a color correction process based on the image data and the color setting represented by the setting information included in the second metadata. 